HS FOOT: Ex-Canyon coach Welch could be headed to Loyola

Don't be surprised if Harry Welch, who coached Canyon High to five football title and is now in his third season at small-school power St. Margaret's in San Juan Capistrano, pursues the vacant head coaching job at Loyola of L.A.

According to a source, Welch is a prime candidate, but the 64-year-old coach said no official offer has been made.

"I can't comment further. If I did, it would be like shooting myself in the foot," said Welch, ever the coy one.

If Welch emerges as a candidate for the Loyola job vacated by Jeff Kearin in Week 5, he would compete for the position with interim coach Adam Guerra, just 24 years old, who went 2-4 as Kearnin's replacement and did not make the playoffs.

"I can outwork coaches half my age," said Welch, not referring specifically to Guerra.

If Welch gets the gig, all four Serra League coaches would have local ties, the others being Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks' Kevin Rooney, Crespi of Encino's Jeremiah Ross and Bishop Amat of La Puente's Steve Hagerty, who formerly coached at Paraclete of Lancaster.

Meanwhile, Canyon has made the playoffs for the first time since Welch left after winning the 2006 Northern Division championship and inaugural CIF State Div. I title. Canyon (2-8) has the fewest victories among any postseason entrant, and the Cowboys had to win a coin flip after defeating Saugus on Friday to sneak in as the Foothill League's third representative.

"It's exciting. It's like 'Friday Night Lights'," third-year coach Chris Varner said.

-- Gerry Gittelson